Influence of occupation on lumbar spine degeneration in men: the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010–2013

Purpose: Certain lifetime occupations can influence lumbar spine degeneration (LSD). The authors investigated the association between various types of occupations and LSD using a nationwide survey. Methods: Data were obtained from the 2010 to 2013 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Types of lifetime occupation were categorized into four occupational groups: white-collar (WC) workers, pink-collar (PC) workers, blue-collar (BC) workers, and agribusiness and low-level (AL) workers. LSD was evaluated using a modified version of the Kellgren–Lawrence grade. Results: The results showed that the type of occupation was associated with increased risk of LSD. The risk of LSD increased in BC workers (adjusted OR 1.492; 95 % CI 1.13, 1.98) and AL workers (adjusted OR 2.539; 95 % CI 1.75, 3.68). The risk of severe LSD increased in BC workers (adjusted OR 1.734; 95 % CI 0.78, 1.98) and AL workers (adjusted OR 3.058; 95 % CI 1.96, 4.77). The risk of LBP tended to increase in AL workers (adjusted OR 1.380; 95 % CI 1.00, 1.90). Conclusions: Our results suggest that LSD is influenced by the lifetime occupation: WC workers are least affected by LSD, and AL workers are at greatest risk of LSD.